Blackpool gets direct rail link with London

Virgin Trains has received the green light from the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) to run direct services from Blackpool to London Euston.

Blackpool North will benefit from the introduction of a daily trip to London Euston on weekdays. The service will depart at 05:25 and is due to call also at Kirkham & Wesham, Poulton le Flyde, Preston, Wigan North Western, Warrington Bank Quay, Crewe and Nuneaton before arriving in London at 08:34. The return service from London Euston departs at 16:33 and arrives back in Blackpool at 19:31.

“It’s an exciting time for everyone involved with Virgin Trains,” explained Lead Executive Phil Whittingham. “With our extended franchise we are able to get back to doing what we do best, offering new journey opportunities whilst still delivering the same high standards of service to our customers.

“We couldn’t be more pleased and are really looking forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure they are a success and become a permanent fixture of the railway timetable.”